We instantly think of the Hollywood Sign, Sunset Boulevard, or the Walk of Fame when planning a trip to Hollywood, or the USA for that matter.
Hollywood is mesmerizing thanks to the film industry becoming an inseparable part of the local culture. In reality, however, Hollywood has so much more to offer. It is a great travel destination; even more so when you’re traveling with the kids. There are some interesting things to do and great places to visit in the area and we are going to take a look at them in this article.
Sunset Ranch Hollywood
If you take a drive up the Beachwood Drive, you will reach a point where you can see the Hollywood Sign directly. You have to walk to reach the sign, but the view from the hill is definitely worth a few minutes of walking.
The Hollywood Sign is not the only thing you can find up Beachwood Drive. Continue driving until you reach the end of the road and you will also find Sunset Ranch Hollywood, a famous ranch that has daily trail rides and more.
The kids will certainly enjoy a short ride up through Griffith Park. All horses are well-trained and you will be accompanied by a handler and a tour guide on your ride.
You can also plan a longer ride for the family, complete with meals and other amenities. Spending an entire day at the ranch is one of the best ways to enjoy the other side of Hollywood.
Hollywood & Highland
A visit to the mall may not be what you have in mind when planning a holiday, but the Hollywood & Highland is a bit different. It is not only a mall filled with high-end brands and trendy shops. The center of the mall is home to a tribute to the Intolerance set. You can’t say you are a movie fan if you haven’t seen the set yet.
You can also see the Hollywood Sign from a catwalk at the Hollywood & Highland. There are other interesting shops to visit near the mall too, plus you can visit most of the attractions in the neighborhood from this spot. The Hollywood Wax Museum and Ripley’s Believe It or Not are also nearby.
Griffith Observatory
Griffith Observatory is not actually in Hollywood, but it is still a landmark associated with the neighborhood. It was recommended by Michael David Palance, an actor, and producer who is also a friend.
Pick a clear night and give yourself a lot of time to enjoy looking at the city of Los Angeles from the telescope on the roof. There is also a modern telescope in the front part of the observatory, just in case the roof telescope is crowded.
The Griffith Observatory is home to many interesting exhibits such as the Foucault pendulum. Kids love spending time at this spot and learning new things. Alternatively, you can go up the Santa Monica Mountains and see the Hollywood Bowl from above.
Hollywood can indeed be a fun destination for a family trip. Be sure to add these interesting spots to your itinerary the next time you plan a trip to Los Angeles.
